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Aioliops megastigma Rennis & Hoese, 1987 Bigspot minidartfish |
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photo by
Tibbatts, B. |
| Family: | Microdesmidae (Wormfishes), subfamily: Ptereleotrinae | |||
| Max. size: | 3 cm SL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 10 m | |||
| Distribution: | Western Central Pacific. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 6-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-10; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 9-11. Description: Characterized by having yellow snout and top of head; semi-translucent greyish on back; lower side pinkish except bluish or white abdominal region; presence of bold black stripe from above eye to upper caudal fin base; middle of caudal fin with large black spot; scaled body; three preopercular pores; gill membrane attached below posterior preopercular margin; caudal peduncle 24% of SL (Ref. 90102). | |||
| Biology: | Inhabits silty and sheltered reefs in a few meters depth. Swims in small groups near corals (Ref. 48637). Also found in lagoon reefs in 2-10 m (Ref. 90102). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 May 2022 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||